News_Politics

Ruto Snubs Joho’s Request, Steers Clear Off BBI Debate in Mombasa

20/10/2019
Alex Kirwa
Image result for William Ruto at Mashujaa day mombasa
Ruto being welcomed by Nyali MP Mohamed Ali when he landed at Moi International Airport Mombasa for Mashujaa Day Celebrations. Photo/Courtesy

Just some days before the Building Bridges Initiative team hands over its final recommendations to both President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, the country has already been plunged into the BBI referendum debate.

During the 55th Mashujaa day celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront park in Mombasa County, leaders led by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho reiterated the need for a country to embrace handshake between Uhuru and Raila saying it was the only way to bring the country together.

Image result for Joho During mashujaa day
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho

While thanking the ODM party leader for embracing the handshake, Joho stated that his county was already seeing the benefits of being in Government through tremendous developments.

Joho who has been known for his hard-hitting statements on his rivals was, however, calm and mature as he called upon all Kenyans to embrace unity and support the handshake. Joho maintained that he was striving to stay in government and support the president in his bid to unify the country.

“We have learned and appreciated what unity can do for all of us as a country. I am planning and doing anything so that I can stay in government and support President Uhuru Kenyatta going forward,” he stated.

As he left the stage, Joho welcomed Dr. William Ruto while urging him to publicly declare his support for the handshake.

Joho’s message was echoed by ODM party leader Raila Odinga who remarked that the handshake came in handy to unite Kenyans hence the need for all citizens to support the BBI.

According to Raila, the handshake was meant to unite all Kenyans and bring to an end the ethnicity that has been witnessed in the country every after general elections.

The ODM boss also insisted on the need for Kenya to honor its heroes like Mekatilili wa Menza who he said played a big role in the fight for our independence

On his part, Ruto snubbed Joho’s request, the BBI debate and instead based his speech on the need for the country’s leadership to eliminate poverty and unemployment among Kenya’s youths.

Ruto urged Kenyans to shun away from divisive politics and helped President Uhuru in transforming the country through unity and commitment to hard work.

“I urge you to reject the politics of division and stand behind our president as he strives to transform our nation. We need to unify this country and concentrate on the transformation of Kenya,” stated Ruto.

President Uhuru Kenyatta who spoke last at the function also skipped politics and majorly concentrated on congratulating Kenyan heroes including reknown athlete Eliud Kipchoge for putting Kenya on the world’s map.

He also feted Kipchoge with EGH (Elder of the Golden Heart) award due to his recent performance at the Ineos Marathon challenge.

 

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